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Laura L. Whitmer September 8, 1977 - April 28, 2019

On Sunday, April 28, 2019, Laura Louise Whitmer (Nee Frieko), loving wife and mother to three children, passed away at the age of 41.

Laura was born on September 8, 1977 in Johnstown, PA.  She graduated as Valedictorian from Forest Hills High School and went on to receive her undergraduate degree from St. Francis University and her law degree from Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law.  She worked as a Patent Attorney for Procter & Gamble until retiring to raise her children full-time.

On September 3, 2005, she married John Whitmer, who survives.  Together they have three children—Anna, Luke, and Kate.  In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her parents, Raymond and Carol Frieko, her sister, Julie Tremaine (Matthew), her brother, David Frieko, her mother-in-law, Barbara Whitmer, and three brothers-in-law—Michael Whitmer (Chin), David Whitmer (Brandie), Kevin Whitmer (Jen), as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Laura shared her birthday with the Blessed Mother and she was a blessing to everyone whose life she touched.  She loved and participated in her children’s activities and volunteered regularly at Montgomery Elementary School.  She was a member of Good Shepherd church.  Family and friends were the central theme to Laura’s life—

School and Community Involvement

Laura was the first person to volunteer to help in her kids’ classrooms or for any school related projects.  She was an active member of the PTO, serving on the Executive Board for the past 4 years.  She was a room parent for each of her children’s classes and could always be found on field trips and helping to coordinate class parties.

Laura was always the first person to reach out to new families in Montgomery, connecting them with other families she knew they would like and have things in common with.  Organizing meal trains, carpools, and playdates were just a few of the ways she let people know how much she cared for them.

Friends

Laura had an absolute talent in bringing people together. She could always be found hosting friends at her house, the park, or the pool with her beautiful welcoming smile and open arms.  She knew just when to call or text, always making sure her friends knew how much she cared for them. She was a wonderful story teller, always engaging, warm and so fun to be around.  The love, care, and energy she put into her community and friends could never be replaced.  The void she has left will never be filled.

Motherhood

Laura was THE PERFECT mom.  All of her friends looked up to her as a mother.  Her energy and enthusiasm for all things related to her children was evident every single day. She was absolutely selfless in the care and energy she provided for her children.  It wasn’t unusual to find Laura taking the kids from a sporting event, to the park for lunch, to the pool for dinner and then to Kings Island for the fireworks.  She was tireless in providing amazing experiences for her kids.  And all of her friends’ kids were richer for these experiences that Laura planned for all of us to share.

Visitation will be at the on Wednesday, May 1 from 4-8 p.m. at Church of the Saviour, 8005 Pfeiffer Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at The Community of the Good Shepherd, 8815 E Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249. Burial to follow at Spring Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations in Laura’s name can be made to the Karen Wellington Foundation, 5090 Bouchaine Way, Cincinnati, OH 45208.

Visitation will be at the on Wednesday, May 1 from 4-8 p.m. at Church of the Saviour, 8005 Pfeiffer Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at The Community of the Good Shepherd, 8815 E Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249.

Condolences(15)

  1. REPLY
    Nicole Carpinello says

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Laura but I used to work with her mother and I heard many good things about her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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    Christian Best says

    I worked with Laura at P&G. She was a great friend and colleague and stayed in touch frequently after her decision to become a full time Mom. She always had a funny story to tell and her company was enjoyed by all. She loved her family greatly. They were always her primary focus. She will be missed by all. Rest in Peace Laura.

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    Donna & Dan Bain says

    Dear John, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of you wife. May our Lord give you comfort and hold you and your family in the palm of His hand. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Donna and Dan Bain

  4. REPLY
    Martha Carroll says

    Sending all my love to the families. Laura leaves a tremendous legacy.
    The kids’ first Art teacher,
    Martha Carroll

  5. REPLY
    Claudia Maltz says

    We are shocked and sad to hear of Laura’s passing. Sending our love and prayers.

    The Maltz Family (Steven, Claudia, Sienna, & Sammy)

  6. REPLY
    Marcia McHugh says

    Sending our deepest sympathy to your family. We hold you and your family close to our hearts and in our prayers. Heaven gained a beautiful angel.
    Kate’s Dance teacher,
    Miss Marcia

  7. REPLY
    Jahnavi Swamy Brenner says

    So sorry to hear this news. Laura was a friend from P&G and in a book club with me and some other women over 10 years ago. She was always so organized and “on it”, friendly and warm. She was one of the first of our group to have a child and modeled how to do it well! She brought her sister Julie into our group, and we instantly found a new friend. Lots of love and hugs to all of you.

  8. REPLY
    Deana and Lance McGough says

    Dear Gil, Anna, Luke, Kate, Carol, Ray, Julie and David… Words cannot express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your precious wife, mommy, daughter, sister, and my dear friend, Laura Louise. She was truly the most loving, most talented and most beautiful person, inside and out…..and always was. … My memories of her throughout our time at middle and high school together will forever be cherished in my heart. Since I’ve heard about Laura, my tears won’t stop flowing. We cannot know why this happened,… but God must’ve needed this perfect angel at this time. Please know that all of you have been, and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
    I love you Laura Louise!💜

  9. REPLY
    Adrienne Roach says

    No words will ever be enough. I’m so sorry. Laura’s legacy will live on through your beautiful children. Prayers for your family.

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    Patty Hasse says

    My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Such wonderful memories I have of Laura and my daughter Deana growing to be such wonderful friends. She was such a loving inspiration to us all that will be cherished by many of her friends and family. My thoughts and prayers to you each. All my love to you .

  11. REPLY
    Aja Holland says

    Gil my thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time. I am very sorry for your loss.

  12. REPLY
    Evonne (Turkovic) Yanzetich-Homway says

    I am extremely saddened to hear of Laura’s passing. Deepest sympathy to all the family & friends. Laura and I went to Forest Hills together, rode the bus together and were in many, many activities and extra curriculars together including forensics, band, & most notably being piano accompanists for the chorus. Any time I have the opportunity to perform “Stomp Your Foot” by Copeland or the “Rhythm of Life” with my choirs I conduct and music classes I teach, I always think of our 4-hand piano duets! So happy to know she left such an indelible mark on the many lives she touched. May your memories of her comfort you during this difficult time! “Requiescat in pace”-Rest in peace!

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    Jeanne & Mike Susko says

    May God bless all those who loved Laura – such a beautiful woman who lived life to the fullest. We are sending our deepest sympathy to the family and will keep them and Laura in our thoughts and prayers. May she Rest In Peace with all her loved ones who passed before her🙏🏻

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    Jeanne, Mike & Amanda Susko says

    Our deepest sympathy.

  15. REPLY
    Kelly Smith-Moore says

    With deepest sympathy. Such a sudden loss is devastating, and I’m so sorry.

    Laura’s parents live up the street from my mom in Dunlo; Mom said she was always thankful when Laura was able to come and play the piano for our little United Methodist church.

    Praying that you will be surrounded by God’s love and the love and support of your many, many friends. May Laura rest in peace and rise in glory.

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Memorial donations in Laura's name can be made to the Karen Wellington Foundation, 5090 Bouchaine Way, Cincinnati, OH 45208.